[Rattlesnake Guy]

Originally Posted by Dave R

Install a fuel flow meter in your power boat. I recently put in a Lowrance LMF-200 multi-function gauge with a fuel flow sender and a paddle wheel speed sender. It replaced my fuel level gauge and was pathetically simple to install. It gives me speed, fuel used, fuel remaining, GPH and MPG. Cost me $187 for everything. Lowrance offers a huge selection of accessory senders and other companies offer compatible senders as well. I can easily add: trim tab indicators, tachometer, engine temperature, engine oil pressure, engine coolant pressure, waste tank level, water tank level, fuel tank level, outside air temperature, and water temperature.

I discovered that my boat is substantially more efficient (20%+) at 28-32 MPH than anywhere else in it's speed range except idle speed (in gear). Even a slight nudge above idle speed brings my MPG down below what I get at 30 MPH. Plowing along at "max wake" speed used 2.5 times the fuel of 30 MPH.

Dave R,
Ordered my Lowrance LMF-200 yesterday.